ABSTRACT
Facial aging is a combination of descent of facial tissues, atrophy of fat compartments, bony remodeling, and photoaging/chronologic changes of the skin. Photoaging of the skin is clinically and histologically distinct from the genetically programmed aging process. Photoaging is due to UV-A and UV-B-generated free radicals that cause DNA mutations, structural and enzymatic protein alterations, and lipid peroxidation.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques , Dermatologic Surgical Procedures , Postoperative Care , Preoperative Care , Rejuvenation , Skin Aging , HumansABSTRACT
Absorbable suture suspension is one of the newest minimally invasive treatment trends for lifting and repositioning ptotic facial tissue. The Silhouette Instalift is a convenient in-office procedure that provides a unique and advanced clinical treatment for a natural looking midfacial lift. Research has shown that most patients characterized the Silhouette Instalift as immediately effective and were pleased by enhancements. The procedure has an improved safety and efficacy profile over the predecessor, barbed suture thread lifting, coupled with reduced risk of complications and recovery time compared with rhytidectomy. Absorbable suture suspension should be considered a workhorse in nonsurgical esthetic treatments.
Subject(s)
Rhytidoplasty/methods , Absorbable Implants , Esthetics , Face , Humans , Neck , Rejuvenation , Skin Aging , Suture Techniques , SuturesABSTRACT
Laser technology continues to increase in popularity and expand treatment options for patients with common but challenging skin conditions including facial telangiectasias, facial aging, striae distensae, and acne scars. Facial telangiectasias have been estimated to occur in tens of millions of people worldwide. The 585-nm laser was the first to follow the principle of selective photothermolysis for the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions, but it caused significant postoperative purpura. Newer diode lasers target superficial and deep telangiectasias without the side effects of the 585-nm laser. Ablative resurfacing was introduced in the 1990s with the carbon dioxide laser to address facial rhytids and photoaging. While effective, the risks and downtime were significant. The newest fractionated nonablative lasers are demonstrating impressive results, with decreased risks and downtime. This new generation of lasers is being used extensively and in unique combinations for facial aging, striae, and acne scars.
